AR Flat Top Optics Question

[thejeanmachine16]

Maybe a stupid question don't laugh

I'm interested in buying an AR 20in barrel w/ a flat top

If I put a red dot (or something similar) will the front sight be in the way ? Does the red dot automatically line up with the front sight or is the front sight in the way?
Thanks

[Infidel]

Depending on the mount you use you will have a 1/3 or 1/2 cowitness meaning you will see the front site post through the red dot's glass but it will not be in the way per se of the red dot.

[Ronnies111]

Maybe a stupid question don't laugh

I'm interested in buying an AR 20in barrel w/ a flat top

If I put a red dot (or something similar) will the front sight be in the way ? Does the red dot automatically line up with the front sight or is the front sight in the way?
Thanks

I would get the rifle without the front sight but you can allways add a riser. As said above it's true but irritating IMO

[Infidel]

Whether it be a fold down or a fixed post, I always suggest having back up iron sights. Murphy always strikes at the worst time.

[thejeanmachine16]

I want to keep the front post there.
So if I buy a standard flat top and put like an aimpoint red dot will it be 1/3 to 1/2 co-witness because I dont' want an absolute co-witness ? or do you have to buy a riser to make it not absolute co witness?

[Infidel]

It honestly all depends upon what mount you want to use. I would suggest a Larue mount if your red dot is going to be an Aimpoint. Larue makes many different mounts and they have varying cowitnesses. The 1/3 cowitness might be best for you because you'll see the least amount of front sight post.

[DethWshBkr]

You could also just buy one that has a removable carry handle - and then put a mount on the handle. Then, the red-dot is ABOVE everything, (since it is on the handle), and you can then see under it to see the irons.
It's a little tall, but there you go.

Best bet is a post-less front gas block, with a fold down front sight, and a fold down rear sight.

[Infidel]

You could also just buy one that has a removable carry handle - and then put a mount on the handle. Then, the red-dot is ABOVE everything, (since it is on the handle), and you can then see under it to see the irons.
It's a little tall, but there you go.

Best bet is a post-less front gas block, with a fold down front sight, and a fold down rear sight.

It is really hard to get a good cheek weld when an optic is mounted on a carrying handle.

[lilb93]

i personally have an EOtech and flip-ups.. it works very well as a co-witness

i was having the same thoughts when i was building mine ...if i would like it or not? or should i get a larue riser? how tall? etc.

everything is out of the way with flip-up.. no blocked sight area and with the flip ups it co witnesses perfectly..


in my opinion get an AR with a front rail (no fixed post front sight/gas block) it might be a bit more $$ but you will be happier with it in the end.